As parents, we strive to pay substantial school fees for our children, while they constantly struggle to achieve high grades in all subjects—regardless of their interests—due to societal norms and comparisons based on academic performance.
We do all this to make our child shine among others, we don’t realize that it is negatively affecting his mental health and creativity.
Before you begin school hunting, pause and ask yourself: What truly matters most to you in a school?Is it strong academics, or are you leaning towards a school that offers a rich mix of extracurricular activities?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide how to choose the right school for your child
1: Set a Realistic Budget
Know how much you’re willing to spend. Shortlist schools within that range, visit them in person, and check out what other parents are saying in reviews.Let your values lead the way—not just fancy labels or fee structures.
2: Pick the Right Curriculum
Decide whether you prefer British, American, IB, or any other curriculum based on your child’s needs and future plans.
3: Choose a School Based on Your Child’s Interests
Have a one-on-one conversation with your child before enrolling or switching schools.
Explain why school is important—share interesting stories from your own school days, talk about how friendships are built there, and why gaining knowledge and skills matters in life.
Then, ask them: “What would your dream school look like?”
If they say they love games, consider schools with strong sports programs.
If they enjoy art and crafts, a Montessori school might be the perfect fit.
4: Location of the School
Location matters, especially when it’s your child’s first time at school. Early years children can take time to settle, and there’s a high chance you might receive a call from the kindergarten in the initial days saying your child is crying, unwell, or simply wants to go home.
Additionally, high transportation costs can be a factor.
So, if you have small children, consider choosing a nearby school, which you can always change later if needed
5: Pay a Visit to the School
Once you have shortlisted schools based on your budget, your child’s interests, location, and curriculum, consider visiting the school and discussing everything with the school counselor.
Final Thoughts:Choose a School That Celebrates Your Child’s Uniqueness
When choosing the right school, avoid falling into the trap of comparison. Every child learns differently—some excel through memorization, while others thrive by understanding concepts in their own words.
Look for a school that values concept-building over rote learning and encourages activity-based education.
A good school should help your child discover their strengths, not mold them into someone else’s idea of success.What matters most is finding a school that nurtures your child’s individuality, interests, and learning style.
Personality begins where comparison ends(Karl Lagerfeld)
